Protect Medicare and Medicaid in Debt Ceiling Negotiations

From Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

July 27, 2011

The debate over raising the debt ceiling will determine the health and well-being of our families and communities.

Medicare and Medicaid provide a safety net for our most vulnerable community members -- including children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities -- and more people than ever rely on the coverage they provide. More than 1 in 10 Asian Americans and 1 in 7 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are enrolled in Medicaid. In addition, over 14% of Asian seniors rely on Medicare and Medicaid for health coverage.

Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid would put health care coverage at risk for millions.

It would mean doctors would have to turn away patients, and reduced access to well-child care, breast cancer screenings and prenatal care for families. Cuts would also mean uncertain futures for seniors who may no longer be able to afford their medications or the medical equipment that helps them continue living in their own homes.

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